Whether you’re buying or selling property, an inspection provides peace of mind as you make purchasing decisions. According to a recent study by the American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Association of Realtors, 8 out of 10 homebuyers order a home inspection as part of contract negotiations. They understand that having as much information as possible can reduce initial moving stress and provide direction on future maintenance plans.
NPI offers a full menu of inspection services to both residential and commercial clients. Our most popular inspections include new construction, existing residential and commercial buildings, multi-units, condos, manufactured homes, pre-listing inspections and 11th month inspections where new home warranties are about to expire.
Inspection savings
NPI inspections are unbiased. Even if you are familiar with the systems in a home and perform a thorough walk-through of your new property, it can be easy to see things through “rose-colored glasses.” After all, this may be the single largest investment of your life. An objective property inspection report not only saves you time, it gives you a clear, concise checklist of information regarding your home or commercial property and an understanding of the current condition of all major systems. This is true on both existing and new housing stock.
For some, it’s easier to understand that an older home will be in need of some maintenance and repairs. After all, you are purchasing a “used” piece of property. A new home can be just as demanding and expensive. According to a National Association of Home Builder’s study on new home buyer callbacks released in March 2006, home builders receive an average of three callbacks on each new home they build and spend an average of $476 on repairs. The top five problems include, paint, wall board, plumbing, doors and windows. Having a home inspection completed prior to closing on a new home, means you move in after problems are fixed so you can enjoy your new purchase.
Inspecting Home Inspectors
Examining the quality and consistency of home inspections.
In real estate transactions, some things never change. Sellers usually feel they've given their house away, buyers believe they've paid too much and Realtors fear neither side will ever get to the closing table. There is however, one thing that has been inconsistent in real estate transactions: the quality of the home inspection.
That's been changing somewhat with the inception of professional home inspection associations. To gain membership, home inspectors typically prove their competency by passing exams, meeting education and experience requirements - and by maintaining a professional service to the public.
Home inspection is, however, not a licensed profession in the state of Florida, and membership in one organization or another is not always the best way to measure competence.
Home inspections have been around for quite a while, and for good reasons. For about $350 - the average fee for an inspection today - home buyers can gain a wealth of information about the condition of a property before they buy it.
Recent surges in the popularity of home inspections have created an over-populated inspection industry where not all inspectors have the training or experience to do a good job.
"How Much Do You Charge?"
This is often the first question prospective home buyers ask a home inspector. (Asking the inspector about their qualifications, experience and how they get most of their business, should be the first questions.) In home inspection, one size does not fit all. The level of experience and talent of home inspectors varies. Cost-conscious consumers find out too late that trying to save $50 to $100 on an inspection can result in an inadequate report. Unfortunately, this can translate into thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs being discovered after the sale. And well-intentioned, however over-zealous home inspectors can frighten prospective purchasers... often needlessly.
While complaints against home inspectors have never topped the lists of consumer protection agencies, there is a growing sentiment among inspectors, mortgage lenders, government and consumers that more protection is needed.
Meanwhile Realtors, faced with more and more liability in the ever increasing complexity of real estate transactions, surmise that better home inspections will reduce their own exposure. And consumer stories of disastrous home inspections, magnified by the media, create a ground swell of support for licensing as the cure for bad home inspections.
Moreover, a clear trend toward the idea of licensing is evolving. Eventually, national or regional accrediting agencies will likely administer, certify and provide disciplinary control of all home inspectors.
Until such time as licensing is a reality, a solid background, a good reputation - and perhaps membership in a professional association - will remain as the home inspector's primary credentials.
Before hiring a home inspector or inspection company, you should first verify the training and experience of the individual inspector. Ask how many home inspections he or she has performed in the past year or two. Ask for references, preferably from past clients, or from other Realtors with whom you are familiar.
Be wary of low-priced home inspectors and inspectors whose only credential is a certificate acquired online, or by correspondence, or from an unidentified school or association.